The Church of Uganda has reaffirmed its dedication to fostering safer, more equitable communities and creating a violence-free environment for refugees.
Rev Andrew Agaba, the director of household and community transformation, expressed this commitment during the conclusion of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence at Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Isingiro District.
Rev Agaba praised the government for enabling partners and stakeholders to amplify the voices of vulnerable individuals and highlight systems that perpetuate violence.
"Behind each story is a call for action—for policy change, accountability, and societal transformation. Our collective power is immense. Together, we can dismantle the structures that perpetuate violence and rebuild systems of care, inclusion, and justice," he stated.
He urged the government to strengthen laws and policies that protect individuals from violence and hold perpetrators accountable.
Rev Agaba also called on communities to promote respect, safety, and empowerment for all members.
“The commemoration of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence reflects the unified efforts of individuals, communities, and organizations working tirelessly to end this scourge,” he added.
Reflecting on the campaign's achievements, Rev Agaba noted: "Over the last 16 days, we have heard survivors' stories, sparked critical conversations on various platforms about different forms of violence, and mobilized action against GBV.
This inspires hope that we can create a future free from gender-based violence."
Mr Juma Mutungirehi, the Sector Commandant of Nakivale Resettlement under the Office of the Prime Minister, applauded implementing partners for their transformative work within refugee communities.
The 16 Days of Activism campaign, which began on November 25—International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women—culminated on December 10, Human Rights Day.
The refugee community also marked the occasion as a day to celebrate persons with disabilities.
In July 2024, the Church of Uganda opened a field office at Nakivale Resettlement under the Directorate of Household and Community Transformation to coordinate its emergency response to the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Since then, the Church has spearheaded interfaith initiatives for gender justice, training community activists and gender champions to serve as grassroots agents of gender equality and social justice.